Dynamic expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in rat liver tissue during hepatic fibrogenesis

Figure 1 α-SMA protein expression in immunohistochemically-stained liver tissue (SP × 200). A: Few α-SMA expressions in sham operation group; B: Positive α-SMA cells residing in the cells of portal ducts, fiber septa, perisinuses and around the proliferated bile ducts 2 wk after BDL; C: Positive areas of α-SMA expression in model groups at wk 1 to 4 after common bile duct ligation.

Figure 2 ERK₁ distribution in immunohistochemically-stained liver tissue (SP × 200). A: ERK₁ distribution in sham operation group; B: ERK₁ distribution 2 wk after BDL; C: The time course of ERK₁ distribution in hepatic fibrogenesis.

Figure 3 Time course of ERK₁ protein expression (A) and quantitative results (B) in fibrotic and normal rat liver tissues by Western blotting analysis. 1: 4 wk after BDL; 2: 3 wk after BDL; 3: 2 wk after BDL; 4: 1 wk after BDL; 5: 2 d after BDL; 6: 6 h after BDL; 7: 2 h after BDL; 8: Sham operation group.

Figure 4 Electrophoresis of RT-PCR for ERK₁ mRNA expression in hepatic fibrogenesis at different time points (A) and percentage of optical density of ERK₁ mRNA electrophoretic strip (B). 1: marker; 2: sham operation group; 3: 2 h after BDL; 4: 6 h after BDL; 5: 2 d after BDL; 6: 1 wk after BDL; 7: 2 wk after BDL; 8: 3 wk after BDL; 9: 4 wk after BDL.